If you're a fan of deodorant, you might want to keep in mind that those containing aluminum contribute to cancer. This is terrible news, but what's the alternative?
Without it, I smell like an onion bagel that's been sitting in a car on a hot day.
DO YOU USE ANTIPERSPIRANTS?
Instead of living with the guilt of using antiperspirants containing toxic chemicals or ditching deodorant altogether, there's a better choice.
Here is our exclusive guide to smelling good minus the harmful chemicals.
What's terrible about deodorants with added chemicals?
Studies show a correlation between the chemicals in deodorants and breast cancer and Alzheimer's Disease.
Which are these toxic ingredients?
ALUMINUM
This chemical is the worst culprit in causing Alzheimer's Disease and breast cancer.
FORMALDEHYDE
It's a known carcinogen used in morgues to preserve dead bodies. Companies include it in deodorants to kill germs.
PHTHALATES
These chemicals disrupt your endocrine system, causing hormone imbalance and infertility.
PARABENS
These are also hormone disruptors linked to breast cancer.
PROPYLENE GLYCOL
Medical professionals believe this chemical may cause allergies and immunotoxicity.
ANTIBACTERIAL SUBSTANCES
These kill bacteria in the product, including those beneficial to the body.
Being an informed consumer
Whenever you purchase beauty products, pause and go through the ingredient lists.
Ensure there are no harmful ingredients that, apart from ruining your health, create a physical dependency.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND BAD DEODORANTS
Chemicals such as formaldehyde clog your pores and prevent the escape of sweat. When this happens, your body loses the good bacteria that feeds on sweat and has less odor.
As soon as you stop using deodorant, you smell worse than your natural odor, and you keep buying the product to manage the smell.
Natural options
Fortunately, there are many clean brands to choose from. For DIY buffs, you can have fun making some at home.
Note: The key to an effective natural deodorant is getting the right consistency to avoid oily armpits.
Below is a simple recipe.
INGREDIENTS
¼ cup of arrowroot flour or cornstarch
6 tablespoons of coconut oil
¼ cup of lemon juice
A few drops of essential oils
INSTRUCTIONS
Melt the coconut oil and mix all the ingredients. Pour this mixture into a jar and let it solidify. Use a spoon or your fingers to scoop a little and apply on your armpits as needed.
When you switch to natural deodorant:
There will be marked differences when you make the switch to natural deodorant.
MORE SWEAT, BUT MINUS THE STENCH AND STAINS.
Since natural deodorant is not an antiperspirant, it doesn't prevent sweating. However, that's a good thing.
When the body fails to release sweat, it doesn't release toxins like it's supposed to. The good bacteria housed in our armpits to prevent odor dies, leaving us with a nastier smell than when we sweat.
GOODBYE ARMPIT STAINS
The yellow on your white clothes comes from a chemical reaction between sweat and the aluminum in deodorants. After switching to natural deodorants, this is a problem of the past.
Note: If you loathe sweating, add baking soda to your DIY deodorant. Ensure you test on a small area of skin first in case you're allergic.
REDUCED SKIN IRRITATION
The harsh ingredients listed above will give you zits and ingrown hairs, dry your armpits, and clog pores. In contrast, the essential and other oils in natural deodorants nourish and soothe the armpit skin.
Detoxing is for everyone
The lymph nodes in your armpits are essential to a healthy immune system. When you get sick, you may notice lumps in your neck or armpits. Those are the lymph nodes working on getting you better.
Synthetic deodorants deposit immune-suppressing and hormone-disrupting chemicals directly onto your lymph nodes.
An armpit detox removes some of those harmful chemicals from your pores.
It also helps your body adjust to using natural deodorants by allowing your pores to sweat and store the good bacteria that keep odor at bay.
DIY armpit detox recipe
This detox mask is simple to make and use.
INGREDIENTS
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp bentonite clay
1-2 tsp water
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of bentonite clay, and 1-2 teaspoons of water in a non-metallic bowl.
Stir until you achieve a smooth consistency. Spread the mixture on your armpits and leave it on for 15-20 min.
This mixture stimulates blood flow, so if you feel pulsing, don't panic.
Rinse it off with a warm washcloth.
This treatment is safe to repeat daily. With time you'll notice reduced smell and irritation and happier skin.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team
